Babel, R

" 'Babel’ is a compelling story of tragedy that affects the lives of several people spanning three continents. It’s a Golden Globe Award winner for Best Motion Picture-Drama, and rightfully so. Richard and Susan Jones are a struggling couple who take a trip to Morocco for some time away from their children. Their vacation takes a turn for the worst when tragedy strikes, and the lives of several people across various countries are affected. I highly recommend this film for its complex plot and superb cast. It definitely gets two thumbs up from me!"

I Am Legend, R

"Imagine you are the only person alive in Manhattan. The only company you have is your dog. Your family and friends are all gone. The only purpose you have is to find a cure for someone else’s mistake. That, and staying alive through the night. 'I Am Legend’ takes place in the not-too-distant future. It’s about a scientist who found a cure for cancer, and her cure became deadly. Those who are immune are hunted by those infected. Those who are infected lose all human instincts and become creatures of the night -- a mix between zombies and vampires. Will Smith’s character is a scientist trying to find a way to stop the infection from spreading and return civilization back to its normal state. Action-packed and a little scary, this movie is worth seeing (even if it’s just for a glimpse at Smith’s abs)."

The Notebook, PG-13

"'The Notebook' is one of the best romance movies I have seen in years! It’s set in the 1940s, when the rich vacation for the entire summer, and the poor are just plain poor. But when Noah and Allie meet by chance, their lives take an interesting turn. What follows will have you rooting for true love. I greatly recommend this movie, not only to the young in love, but also to the young at heart. Do you think your love for each other can create miracles? Watch this film!"

Satin Doll, by Karen E. Quiones Miller

"Friendship, undying love and jealousy all play a role in the book Satin Doll. Regina is a freelance writer who wines, dines and parties with the social elite. As a teen, she is forced to make ends meet after her mother dies, leaving her to raise a baby. She soon meets a girl who shows her how to live life to the fullest, stealing clothes from Bloomingdales and partying at nightclubs with thugs. Once grown, she thinks she has created a great life for herself and her family, but her past creeps into light. While having a hard time trying to explain her past to her soon-to-be politician husband, which causes havoc for his political career, she realizes that the independence she has grown to throw around on everyone is more than a pill to swallow. Her marriage is jeopardized and a friendship is put to the test. I really enjoyed reading this book. It brought to light many of life’s ups and downs. You never know who you are standing next to or what they have been through in life. I recommend this book to anyone."

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, by Hunter S. Thompson

"I first read this book when I was too young. Not until my recent years do I actually understand what’s going on. In the most well-known novel by Hunter S. Thompson, a character named Raul Duke is sent to Las Vegas with his lawyer for a weekend of covering a motorcycle race but ends up not even knowing who won. He and his esteemed lawyer get mixed up in a 48-hour drug binge involving every substance under the sun. They begin destroying hotels and pulling each other out of extreme drug trips. It’s non-stop and keeps you reading."

Why I Jumped: A True Story of Postpartum Depression, Dramatic Rescue, and Return to Hope, by Tina Zahn

"This book is an amazing story of hope. Even at the end of our rope, when we think there is no hope, there is. I didn’t realize how this book would effect me until after I read it. I am more attentive to those I love. I learned a lot from it. I didn’t realize that postpartum depression occurs so often. Now I know if someone close to me starts showing the signs I will identify it and will be able to help her in any way I can. The author’s story needs to be shared with all women so we can better all women."