Clarity Magazine recommends the following books and movies:
BOOKS
Prodigal Genius: The Life of Nikola Tesla
by John J. O’Neill
Written by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author John J. O’Neill, this biography details the life of Nikola Tesla, a pioneer in the field electrical engineering and a true visionary. The inventor of AC electrical current, Tesla’s dream was to provide the world with free sources of energy and technology. Originally published in 1944, Prodigal Genius remains the seminal biography of a staunchly ethical man of science.
Where Angels Walk
by Jean Wester Anderson
This unforgettable book is a compilation of stories about God’s intervention in the lives of ordinary people through the help of His angels. Based on true accounts, these stories offer overwhelming evidence that heavenly beings are very much part of our daily lives. A New York Times bestseller for over a year.
Jill, the Reckless
by PG Wodehouse
The heroine of this romantic comedy is Jill Marnier, a young, impulsive, upper class English woman, who loses her fortune and her fiancé all on the same day. Finding herself on her own, Jill faces life with courage and determination in a series of adventures that take her from England to America where she finds work as a chorus girl and a man worthy of her affections. First published in 1920, this Wodehouse classic is filled with sparking humor and unforgettable characters.
What the Animals Tell Me
by Sonya Fitzpatrick
In this book, Sonya Fitzpatrick, one of the world’s most widely recognized and respected animal communicators, offers simple, practical advice on how to communicate with animals. Through her telepathic and healing gifts, Sonya has helped thousands of pet owners achieve a better understanding of their pets and to uncover the root causes of their pets’ most common problems. An excellent gift for animal lovers.
Wooden on Leadership: How to Create a Winning Organization
by John Wooden
This book takes you inside the mind of a coaching legend, John Wooden (1910-2010), who guided the UCLA Bruins to ten NCAA basketball championships in 12 years, including four perfect seasons and an 88-game winning streak. Step by step, Wooden explains how he pursued and accomplished his goals, offering valuable leadership lessons that can be applied in any field.
An Army of Angels: A Novel of Joan of Arc
by Pamela Marcantel
In this well-researched first novel, Pamela Marcantel, recounts the amazing life of Joan of Arc. In vivid detail, Marcantel describes how the courage and faith of this young peasant girl uplifted an entire nation and brought France to victory during the Middle Ages. Rich with historical facts, Marcantel brings to life the spirit and courage of this warrior saint.
The Cure: How a Father Raised $100 Million–and Bucked the Medical Establishment–in a Quest to Save His Children
by Geeta Anand
Based on a true story, The Cure, is the riveting account of John Crowley’s single-minded determination to save his two children from “Pompe disease,” a rare, life-threatening, genetic disorder for which there was neither treatment nor cure. In a valiant uphill struggle, Crowley succeeded in finding a revolutionary new treatment for the disease. A truly inspiring story of one family’s indomitable spirit. (See below – “Extraordinary Measures” – for the movie adaptation of the book.)
Jonathan Livingston, Seagull
by Richard Bach
A fable in novella form, this uplifting book is an allegory on how to overcome limitations and find a higher purpose in life. First published in 1979, the book has sold over 10 million copies and was one of the top-selling books of the 20th century. (See below for the movie adaptation of this book.)
MOVIES
The Spirit of St. Louis, 1957
Based upon Charles Lindbergh’s 1953 Pulitzer Prize winning autobiography, this film depicts Lindbergh’s career as a pioneer aviator from his early days as a mail-run carrier to his historic 33-hour solo flight from New York to Paris. James Stewart gives a sterling performance as Lindbergh, his real-life hero. It was Lindbergh himself who inspired Stewart to become an aviator.
Available: DVD; Not Rated
Pete Seeger: The Power of Song, 2007
A documentary tribute to Pete Seeger, pioneering folk singer and political activist who, more than anyone else, was responsible for the folk revival of the 1960s. Highlights include candid conversations with musicians Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Tom Paxton, Arlo Guthrie and other leading figures of the time, who comment on Seeger’s far-reaching musical influence.
Available: DVD; Rated PG
Friendly Persuasion, 1956
This movie tells the story of the Birdwell family, Quaker pacifists living in southern Indiana at the height of the American Civil War. Though opposed to violence and neutral on the war issue, the family’s faith and non-violent beliefs are severely tested when a Confederate army threatens their community with looting and burning. Based on the novel, The Friendly Persuasion, by Jessamyn West.
Available: DVD; Not Rated
The Santa Clause, 1994
In this comedy, Santa Claus falls off his roof on Christmas Eve night and is accidentally killed. Because of a legal technicality known as “the Santa clause,” Scott Calvin, a toy store executive and divorced father, inherits the jolly old elf’s job and magically becomes Santa Claus. There’s just one problem: how to keep his new job secret from his disbelieving family? A great family movie.
Available: DVD; Rated PG
Miss Potter, 2006
Combining animation with live-action, this movie recounts the story of Helen Beatrix Potter (1866 –1943), English author, illustrator, natural scientist and conservationist, best known for her children’s books such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Set in Victorian England, this delightful movie is suitable for people of all ages.
Available: DVD; Rated PG
Extraordinary Measures, 2010
A captivating movie adaptation of The Cure by Geeta Anand. (See book description above)
Available: DVD; Rated PG
Jonathan Livingston Seagull, 1973
This film, inspired by Richard Bach’s best-selling novella, was nominated for two Academy Awards. (See book description above)
Available: DVD; Rated G
