[Editor's note: Chris Melnick is the Executive Director of Share the Magic Book Program, which is a federally registered charity that distributes books, from books for babies to adults, fiction and non-fiction to underserved communities in Manitoba.  To date, Share the Magic has given away over 630,000 books at an estimated value of over $4.2 million. You can follow Share the Magic on Facebook by searching "Share the Magic Book Program"]

Shalom Everyone,

From time to time I come across books, movies and documentaries that I really enjoy and think others might as well.  When this happens I will share them with you as a recommendation.  The recommendation could be based on the importance of subject, the interesting take on an issue or just the pure delight in reading or viewing it. They will be for specific titles, authors or subjects.  Most of the items will available at the Winnipeg Public Library and you can request them to be delivered to your local branch by going to https://wpl.winnipeg,ca/library .  The title, author and call number will always be included, so you can easily request any books or DVD’s that interest you.  The titles will not always be the latest releases, some may have come out a number of years go, but I hope they will always be of interest.

I am interested in your feedback and thoughts about my recommendations, as well as your own and can be reached at [email protected].  Whenever possible, I will include your recommendations.

So, here we go!

Book:  The High Mountains of Portugal, by Yann Martel, 2016  A Canadian author who also wrote The Life of Pi, which I also recommend both the book and movie.  The High Mountains of Portugal takes us on a magical journey, blending together three lives and almost 100 years.  The main characters separately move through the discovery of an old journal, get caught up in a murder mystery and best of all, create a loving friendship with a chimpanzee.  I found myself entranced from page 1 and a little saddened when the story ended, as only a good book can make you feel.

Available in the following formats:
Book – Fiction Martel
Large print – LT (Large Type)  
ebook
eAudiobook
Audiodisc
French – les hautes montagnes du Portugal

Movie: Wild Mountain Thyme, written by John Patrick Shanley, who also wrote Moonstruck starring Cher. Wild Mountain Thyme stars Emily Blunt, Jon Hamm, Jamie Dornan and Christopher Walken.  The film was released in 2020.  A simply delightful movie about true love prevailing over all.  Set in rural Ireland, it follows the long journey of Rosemary Muldoon to win the love of her neighbor Anthony Reilly, whom she has been besotted with since age 5.  It features the enchanting Irish countryside, farming culture and as always, heart touching Irish song.  Sure to warm your heart on even the coldest Manitoba winter day, so curl up with a hot cup of cocao and enjoy!

Call number:  DVD FILM/TV WILD