Since we are almost halfway through 2008, I thought I would make a list of my favorite books and movies this year. This list will include things released earlier, just as long as I saw or read it for the first time this year. I watch a lot of movie and read a lot of books, so I'll be doing however many I feel have been a favorite.
Books
Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
This book was so interesting to me. They really do explore everything. Stephen Dubner came to the U, so I got to hear him preview a chapter from their second book, which he said would probably be called Super Freakonomics.
The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama
I read this is February, back when it was a complete toss-up who would win the Democratic nomination. Luckily, he is now likely to win. I really believe in his ideas, and I like that he is not from a political or powerful family.
Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult
I have read almost all of her books. She is a good writer, not the best, but good. However, the issues and questions she raises fully make up for any lack in her writing. Each book deals with controversial issues, and this was is not different. An inmate is scheduled to be executed for his crimes, but he wants to donate his heart to the sister of his victim. Very thought-provoking.
Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
This is a collection of short stories that deal with Indian characters. The last three are interwoven stories that are written so beautifully.
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
Like Jodi Picoult, she is not the best author, but she does excel at one thing in her books. Her characters. She writes the best characters, and the best stories for those characters.
Movies
Penelope
Very cute story, but best part about it is that my favorite actor is in it- James McAvoy.
Under the Same Moon
This movie shows the humane side to the issue of illegal immigration, which means a lot of conservative people wouldn't like it. To me, that part of it doesn't matter. It's about a mother trying to make a better life for her son. We are not any better than anyone else just because we were born here in America (Ok, off my soapbox for now).
Lars and the Real Girl
Ryan Gosling is an amazing actor. He is so talented. The premise of this movie is weird. He plays a man who has a blow-up doll for a girlfriend. He plays the character so well.
Iron Man
I've never been a comic books fan, but I do enjoy seeing all the superhero movies.
Other favorites:
Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day
The Kite Runner
Lions For Lambs
Sex and the City
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