[lit-ideas] a book suggestion

I've mentioned the Canadian novelist David Gilmour a few times in the
past (How Boys See Girls, Sparrow Nights, Lost between Houses, Back on
Tuesday, A Perfect Night to Go to China) on this list and on Phil-Lit.
He's a favourite of mine, being Canadian (not that I like most
Canadian novelists, but he's MY type of Canadian) and male, into
movies and just a bit older than I am.

Yesterday, I read his latest offering, called " The Film Club: A True
Story Of A Father And A Son" which is a autobiographical look at three
precious years that he spent with his son (from 16-19 years of age)
watching movies together. He was fortuitously (although he didn't
think so at the time) without work for a protracted period and his son
had decided to quit school because he didn't like it. He took a risk
and agreed to let him quit as long as he watched at least three movies
a week with him. This was Gilmour's version of home-schooling.

But, this book is not only a loving tribute to his son (and various
wives, ex-wives etc) but it's a really interesting book about movies
and Gilmour's obvious deep knowledge (he was a film critic for quite a
while in a previous life) and love of them. In describing their days
together, Gilmour effortlessly, and without force, mentions dozens of
movies from the whole history of the medium and gives enough
background -- by way of introducing them to his son, he introduces
them to us -- without spoiling the movies for those of us who haven't
seen them, but at the same time, giving us loads of ideas of  "I think
I'll rent that some day soon" as we go along.

I remember Mike Geary's (best yet) advice to me upon the birth of my
son a couple of years ago was something like "Just love him". And
that's what comes through here. Gilmour just loved his son and did his
best and it all worked out, like it had to, in the end -- in a
wherever you go, there you are sort of way. I would highly recommend
this book to anyone who a) likes movies but hasn't seen enough, b) has
had kids grow up or is looking forward to it and c) likes an easy read
that is not easily written.

My favourite exchange between father and son (paraphrasing from memory)

Son: "Do you ever stop worrying?:
Father "No, but the worries get better"

Gilmour is not afraid to teach his son by way of example, but he's
also, like any good teacher, not afraid to admit how much his son
taught him right back.

p
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