Book and Movie Recommendations

For your leisure-time reading and viewing, Clarity Magazine recommends the following books and movies:

BOOKS

Invictus—Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation
by John Carlin

In 1985, Nelson Mandela, seeking a cause to unite an entire nation after fifty years of apartheid, encouraged black South Africans to support the previously hated Springboks, the national rugby team, long an embodiment of white supremacist rule. At the time, South Africa was looking forward to hosting the 1995 World Cup. The rugby team’s string of wins defied all odds and capped Mandela’s ten-year effort to bring South Africans together in an enduring bond of  racial harmony.

The Hiding Place
by Corrie Ten Boom

The unforgettable and inspiring story of Corrie Ten Boom, a devout Christian woman who, along with several family members, was confined in a concentration camp because of her work in helping Dutch Jews escape Nazi persecution during World War II. Corrie survived the horrors of concentration camp life and went on to write a book that has touched hearts and souls of millions around the world.

Tortured for Christ
by Richard Wurmbrand

Tortured for Christ is a deeply inspiring account of courage, tenacity of faith, and unbelievable endurance. The author, Richard Wurmbrand, a Romanian of Jewish descent gave up atheism to embrace Christianity. He recounts his experiences as a pastor in the secret, underground church in Romania and his fourteen years in Communist prisons. Wurmbrandt’s only crime was his fervent belief in Jesus Christ and his refusal to hide the practice of his faith. While confined to prison, Wurmbrand courageously continued his ministry by awakening faith in his fellow prisoners.

Enduring Grace—Living Portraits of Seven Women Mystics
by Carol Lee Flinders

This beautiful and well-written book shows how seven women not only transformed themselves into great saints but also made important contributions to the religious life of their times. Flinders gives a clear, realistic description of the life and times of these seven women, and their enduring legacy to the Christian mystical tradition.

*******

MOVIES

Random Harvest, 1942

Random Harvest, a film based on the 1941 James Hilton novel of the same name, depicts the remarkable twists and turns of fate that upset the course of true, selfless love. Set in post-WWI England, actors Ronald Coleman and Greer Garson give outstanding performances as the couple destined to fall in love but then lose one another through accidents, amnesia, and differences in upbringing. This movie, one of Swami Kriyananda’s favorites, depicts the ideals of friendship, loyalty, and mutual respect that are the foundation of every enduring relationship.

Available on DVD. Not Rated (Drama, Romance)

Pride and Prejudice, 1995

In this beautiful made-for-television adaptation of Jane Austen’s much-loved novel, sparks fly when spirited Elizabeth Bennett (Jennifer Ehle), meets the eligible, proud, rich aristocrat, Fitzwilliam Darcy (Colin Firth). Darcy, who is attracted to the witty but prejudiced Elizabeth, reluctantly finds himself falling in love with a woman he believes is beneath his class. Elizabeth, for her part, finds Darcy boorish and rude. Can they overcome their pride and prejudice?

Available on DVD. Not Rated (Romantic, Witty)

Unmistaken Child, 2008

This documentary follows the spellbinding journey of Tibetan Buddhist monk, Tenzin Zopa, and his four-year search to find the identity of the child who is the next incarnation of his deceased master, Geshe Lama Konchog, a world-renowned Tibetan master who passed away in 2001 at age 84. Acting on instructions from the Dalai Lama, the shy Zopa knows that thousands of Buddhist followers are awaiting his discovery. But he also knows that if he succeeds, he must convince the child’s parents to release the child into his care.

Available on DVD. Not Rated (Heart-felt, Understated)

A Man for All Seasons, 1966

This movie, set in 16th century England, is the story of Sir Thomas More (played by Shakespearian actor, Paul Scofield) who refused to go along with King Henry VIII’s headstrong determination to break with the Roman Catholic Church so that he could divorce his current wife, Catherine of Aragon, and marry Anne Boleyn. More resigns as Chancellor of England in the hope of living out his life as a private citizen, but Henry will settle for nothing less than More’s public approval. The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor (Paul Scofield).

Available on DVD.  Rated G (Biography, Drama)