Opinion

Forget the lavish parties in the Capitol, forget the battles to the death in the Games -- "Mockingjay" takes the viewer back to everyday oppression in Panem.

A science fiction movie from Christopher Nolan? Well, naturally we'd have to go see "Interstellar" the first chance we'd get!

Chris Bohjalian explores the aftermath of domestic violence, betrayal, and the consequences of secrets in his novel, "Secrets of Eden."

A disproportionate number of Aboriginal women are missing or murdered. Isn't it time to find out why?

A new animated feature! And what artist wouldn't want to check out this amazing stylized artwork?

In his novel "A Sudden Light," Garth Stein has written a family saga that fully immerses the reader in the Pacific Northwest's timber industry.

Sure, James Lick looked like Abraham Lincoln with a drug problem. He was, after all, one of California's first crazy rich dudes. But he's also a great example of someone who put a lot of thought into how they wanted to be remembered when they die.

Vampire writer Lydia Manx avoids the sunlight by seeing "Dracula Untold" in IMAX.

Monica Ali's novella, "Alentejo Blue," adeptly explores the lives and conflicts of characters in a small town in the Alentejo region of Portugal.

Leila Aboulela transports the reader to another culture in her novel, "The Translator."

Exploring the themes of regret and redemption against the historical background of the Indian Wars, Lin Enger has penned a truly American novel in his book "The High Divide."

Who has to prove their genetic identity?

Tom Rob Smith's novel of murder, conspiracy, and the quest to uncover the truth, "The Farm" weaves a convoluted story around a woman alleged to be insane.

In the 1920s, children were removed from New York City and relocated to settlements in the West. In her novel "Orphan Train," Christina Baker Kline explores this practice and its consequences.

Someone once said an efficiently designed kitchen minimizes the number of steps you have to take from food preparation areas to food storage areas. That idiot obviously didn't have a family. Or dogs. Or run the risk of visits from the Angel of Obesity. (Originally appeared 08-21-2004)

In a city of unspeakable destruction and horror, things disappear daily along with memories, in Paul Auster's novel, "In the Country of Last Things."

Marie-Helene Bertino has written a charming debut novel about bad luck, human kindness, and the dazzling lure of possibility: "2 A.M. at the Cat's Pajama's."

Cultural appropriation is the re-purposing of a concept from another cultural background -- often taken out of context.

Dinaw Mengestu's novel "All Our Names" takes the reader into the slums of Kampala and into the hearts of men who refuse to accept tyranny, even when it means they may lose everything.

A classic literary work by W. Somerset Maugham, "The Painted Veil" examines personal growth in the midst of trial and betrayal.

Bernie and Sand skip the movie popcorn and feast their eyes instead on a movie about food excellence. Delicious!

Arriving half an hour early to make sure they can get seats together, Bernie and Sand take a chance on comic book characters they never saw before.

Kim Church's insight into the human psyche, her understanding of the struggle to make sense of past mistakes and difficult choices, is deeply provocative in her debut novel, "Byrd."

Well, who wouldn't want to go see Scarlett Johansson take names and kick butt?

"The Invention of Wings," written by Sue Monk Kidd, is a rich novel that reminds the reader of the often painful road to freedom for blacks and women.

Nora Roberts treats the reader to a chunkster book full of mystery, suspense, and romance in "Whiskey Beach."

Pete Fornatale takes readers on a trip back through time to the spectacle that was Woodstock.

Chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutangs cooperate and try to defend their territory in a CGI extravaganza as The Planet of the Apes franchise continues.

Susan Davis' book, "Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation for Animals" proves to be a valuable resource for pet owners, especially those who have working dogs.

With lavish detail and perfect words, Amy Tan explores the consequences of choices and intention of tourists gone astray in Myanmar in this book, "Saving Fish from Drowning."