I wish I could recall the first book that I ever read and the first movie that I went to see. But, I cannot. I only remember seeing movies, movies, and more movies and being surrounded by my mother's books and those in my fledgling collection, thankfully much larger now. Those incredible stories and powerful images refuse to fade or be replaced, instead continuing to flicker in my mind like pulsating flames. It’s magical to me and that’s why I have a sort of love affair with books and movies. After all, how can one not love something that allows you to escape, learn, feel, love, fight, win, cry, scream, believe, challenge, overcome, analyze, laugh, wonder, and grow?

Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment is my favorite book and still intrigues me even after a half dozen reads. I feel a nearly equal passion for all his works, any of Austen’s contributions and Langston’s verses. Likewise, I‘ve lost count of how many times I have enjoyed Godfather and its first sequel, Pillow Talk, The Best Man, Star Wars (Episodes 4, 5 & 6), The Color Purple, English Patient, and anything that Cary Grant ever made. And no matter how many times I have read my books or watched my movies, I still get excited at all the same moments, cry at all the same scenes and laugh at the same old jokes. This is what I want to share with you: that feeling, that exhilaration.

My goals are to inspire you to read or see something that perhaps you had not considered before visiting View From Here and to steer you clear of other options that could be a waste of your time and money. Even if you do not agree with my comments, at the very least I hope you will be entertained. Also, feel free to send me your suggestions for films and tomes and offer feedback on whatever random thoughts I share in the &More section.

I am no expert, just a reader, moviegoer and occasional dime-store philosopher. There is neither a film school degree nor a personal great literary work (as of yet) to back me up. I am a freelance writer, dump truck owner (it’s true) and teacher who is just trying to live the best life possible and be the best version of myself. View From Here is a part of that vision.

So welcome to the site, visit often and remember to keep reading, loving, and watching movies.

Enjoy and take care!

A

Annette R Richmond