Essays on small art films and big-budget blockbusters, including Antonia's Line, American Beauty, Schindler's List, and The Passion of the Christ, that view films as life lessons, enlarging our sense of human possibilities. For Alan Stone, a one-time Freudian analyst and former president of the American Psychiatric Society, movies are the great modern, democratic medium for exploring our individual and collective lives. They provide occasions for reflecting on what he calls “the moral adventure of life”: the choices people make—beyond the limits of their character and circumstances—in response to life's challenges. The quality of these choices is, for him, the measure of a life well lived. In this collection of his film essays, Stone reads films as life texts. He is engaged more by their ideas than their visual presentation, more by their power to move us than by their commercial success. Stone writes about both art films and big-budget Hollywood blockbusters. And he commands an extraordinary range of historical, literary, cultural, and scientific reference that reflects his impressive personal history: professor of law and medicine, football player at Harvard in the late 1940s, director of medical training at McLean Hospital, and advisor to Attorney General Janet Reno on behavioral science. In the end, Stone's enthusiasms run particularly to films that embrace the sheer complexity of life, and in doing so enlarge our sense of human possibilities: in Antonia's Line, he sees an emotionally vivid picture of a world beyond patriarchy; in Thirteen Conversations about One Thing, the power of sheer contingency in human life; and in American Beauty, how beauty in ordinary experience draws us outside ourselves, and how beauty and justice are distinct goods, with no intrinsic connection. Other films discussed in these essays (written between 1993 and 2006 for Boston Review) include Un Coeur en Hiver, Schindler's List, Pulp Fiction, Thirteen Days, the 1997 version of Lolita, The Battle of Algiers, The Passion of the Christ, Persuasion, and Water.

Awaken the Bear is a small book with a big message: The modern world has lulled us into a collective hibernation. To wake up, we need to stop the noise, activate our senses, and re-wild our daily patterns. We all know deep down that we are built for more than sameness and screens. But how do we get there? How do we live a life that is meaningful and adventurous? In Awaken the Bear, Meier introduces readers to another path--one that is primal, untamed, and wild. Blending groundbreaking research with compelling personal stories, he challenges us to rethink the way we view ourselves and the natural world around us. Laying out a blueprint for well-being informed equally by cutting-edge research and timeless wisdom, Meier urges us to tap into our wild inheritance, suggesting that as our modern lives shift increasingly indoors, recognizing the benefits of nature has become more urgent than ever. The goal for all of us should be to approach life with excitement and zest, to feel alive and activated, and to live a life that is rewarding and authentic. But none of this happens on its own. There are levers that we need to pull, and we need to ask the right questions: Why and where are we meant to roam? What animates us? What challenges us? What sustains us? Awaken the Bear is an invitation to consider these questions and to open the door to a wilder and more meaningful life.

A master dog-sledder, wartime hero, and world-renowned explorer recounts the story of his life in an upbeat, plainspoken style. And what a life it is! From his expeditions to Antarctica to his World War II service to his part in rescuing downed pilots in Greenland, Vaughan, at 89, has lived--and is still living--a life of adventure.

Praise forHow to Live a Life of Adventure After reading the first 20 chapters, I was ready to tackle a grizzly bear, wrestle a sea lion and climb Mount Everest. Not only does Wooldridge inspire you to live a maximum life, he shows you how to do it. I loved the adventures between every instructional chapter. I appreciated how thorough he was with references, key points and guides. Roger Hamilton, teacher I am a tomboy. I travel and play sports. Im also bold and sassy. This book addresses women who love to try everything once, twice and more. Wooldridge covers everything women need to know about traveling, mountain climbing, rafting, horseback riding, backpacking and much more. Sarah Gingrich, rodeo cowgirl Emile Zola said, "I'm here to live out loud!" Those words reflect the spirited life and writings of Frosty Wooldridge. His book reminds us that whether we trek high into the mountains or bike up hills closer to home, adventure awaits around the bend. I recommend this book for aspiring travelers as well as armchair explorers. He shows you how to make your dreams come true. Dan Millman, Way of the Peaceful Warrior Hands down! This is the best adventure book I have ever read with stories from all over the world. But wait! Wooldridge shows you how to go adventuring to make your own stories and fill your own scrapbook with memories. Its excellent in every way! Paul Margeletta, father, weekend warrior This book is extraordinary. The information is so valuable that it should be read daily for inspiration and guidance. I had to stop myself from underlining every sentence in the book. I want to buy this life-changing book as a gift for everyone I know, especially my kids. Susan Scollozi, housewife, traveler Half way through the concepts and practices in this profound book, I realized that the author may have meant to show readers how to live a life of adventure, but it occurred to me that this book shows anyone how to lead a very happy and successful life on a day to day basis. His concepts support mental, emotional, educational and spiritual health. Every adult and kid in America needs to read this book. Its that good. Arthur Daniels, teacher How the book will benefit you! You will discover your strengths, self-confidence and passions You may engage methodical steps for moving into your own fulfilling adventure-filled life You will build steadfast convictions and personal empowerment You will find others to share your adventures You will discover which kinds of adventures excite you Check lists for men and women for every kind of adventure You will never look back with regrets

The bestselling author of "Halftime" conducted extensive research interviews on the subject of what it takes to live a meaningful life. Here, Buford lays out practical strategies that will enable readers to shift into a far more fulfilling life--one of significance that is a legacy for future generations.

America's most inspiring bereavement counsellor has been helping people to accept death and overcome grief for more than a decade. Her wisdom stems from a broad range of religions, spiritual traditions and contributions from other writers.

Acclaim for this book His Holiness The Dalai Lama .".". exceptionally important... (Dr. Albert Schweitzer's philosophy) focusing on reverence for life and campaign against nuclear weapons that naturally flows from it remain sources of great inspiration today."" Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder Jane Goodall Institute, UN Messenger of Peace ""Turn to this beautiful book for inspiration, for hope, for renewed faith in your own ability to make a difference for people, animals and the human community. I can't think of a better way to spend time than this wonderful book."" Mikhail Gorbachev .".". The book Albert Schweitzer: Reverence for Life... can not be more timely. It is not just a tribute to one of mankind's Giants of Human Spirit, it is also a tocsin that appeals to our conscience.""