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• Current

Type: documentary

Status: I recommend

Author: Eleanor Coppola

Tags: families memoir love marriage films mothers

Description: Copyright 1979, new afterword written in 1991. The diary/notes of the wife of Francis FordCopyright 1979, new afterword written in 1991. The diary/notes of the wife of Francis Ford Coppola during the period of the filming of the movie Apocalypse Now -- when she was also trying to film a documentary of the film-making (her first foray into film). Parts of this book were used in the documentary "Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse" (1991), which used footage Eleanor originally shot. Mother of three, wife of famous man, who has his own little apocalypse triggered by the making of the film. Heart-aching, how Eleanor has to hold the family together, especially once Francis admits to an affair. The marriage almost breaks up, as Francis almost breaks down. Afterword deals with death of son Gio in an accident. Beautiful, thought-provoking diary of a woman torn between the roles of wife, mother, and self....

2007-01-29

• Current

Type: children's

Status: I recommend

Author: frank cottrell boyce

Tags: art families museums uk theft villages

Description: 2005. First-person narrative by Dylan, a 10? 12? year old boy whose family runs the Snowdonia2005. First-person narrative by Dylan, a 10? 12? year old boy whose family runs the Snowdonia Oasis Auto Marvel in Manod as a team -- that is until money problems force the Dad to flee, leaving the kids to solve the family's problem -- as well as the problems of others in the village. Colorful cast of village characters, like Daft Tom who is an expert on the Mutant Ninja Turtles, knowledge of which gets Dylan an in with the National Gallery curator who is guarding the paintings being termporarily stored in the abandoned quarry nearby. Art affects everyone -- and Dylan's sister's art (a Polaroid collage) ends up saving the family. Involves art thefts and mysteries. Reminded me of the village efforts in "The Wheel on the School" by Meindert deJong. Funny, heart-warming. Deserves awards....

2006-05-27