No I haven’t heard of Testament of Youth but I will look it up, thanks!

No, I didn’t see that one, but I read the book. If it ever ends up on Netflix, I might get a chance to see it. That’s how most of my movie-watching happens these days. I just watched Testament of Youth this weekend. Very good! A tear-jerker. Have you seen that one?

Thanks Sarah for your book suggestion & points. Yes the controversy over Me Before You seems very valid. I think an alternative to the usual storyline would likely be refreshing. I’ll check out The Season of You. My photography doesn’t match yours but the places are pretty stunning indeed. Thanks!

Yes, Me Before You (Check out #MeBeforeEuthanasia on twitter) has gotten a lot of criticism from advocates for paraplegics who are appalled by its life-not-worth-living message. Weeks before this, I had started reading the book and lost interest before reaching the controversial part. I’d recommend instead a YA Contemporary novel, The Season of You and Me by Robin Constantine, that also features a paraplegic love interest but a positive message. It’s a sweet summer romance with well developed characters set on an island.

Thanks Joy. It really was breathtaking — some of the mountain views we took in. It’s a magical place, being in the mountains near here. Feel very lucky to see them.

Thanks Anne for your experiences in the Rockies. It’s so sublime when there’s no tourists around and you’re the only one there in such natural beauty. I know what you mean. It’s stunning really. Glad you got to see the lakes.

Great JoAnn. So glad to hear you liked The Tortilla Curtain too. Wow I wonder if it’s TC Boyle’s best book? I really thought it was terrific writing. He’s now one of my favorites. I want to make a summer reading list too — but I know I’ll be endlessly adding new ones. The Girls & Homegoing are somewhere on it.

Thanks Jane. Ha. Yeah what year are we in — with Paul Simon & Neil Young still going strong?! I’m inspired that you read Roots recently and now want to get to Homegoing. Gosh I always need a (long) break between slavery stories. They’re rough! I really appreciated your Roots read & review. That was awesome. I still remember LeVar Burton in the Kunta Kinte role, which blew me away. I hear Homegoing is also excellent & I hope to get to it this summer.

Oh excellent. Thanks Naomi for getting back to me on the movie. I think I want to see it. Not sure if I can con my Hub into going, but perhaps I’ll try a matinee, & shed tears behind a popcorn bag if need be. The last movie that made me a wreck was Room — did you see that?