Conclave, written by Lawrence D. Klausner, is a novel that explores themes and settings that were relevant at the time of its publication in 1981. The book is known for its engaging narrative, although specific details about the plot are not widely available. It is a work of fiction that has been cataloged and sold through various bookstores and libraries.
The Nickel Boys is a powerful and disturbing novel that delves into the horrors of Nickel Academy, a segregated juvenile reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida. The story follows Elwood Curtis, a bright and idealistic young man who is falsely accused of stealing a car and sent to Nickel Academy. There, he and his friend Turner navigate the brutal and corrupt environment, marked by physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The novel explores themes of systemic injustice, human perseverance, and the lasting impact of trauma. It alternates between the 1960s and the present, as the dark history of Nickel Academy is uncovered and its survivors come forward to share their experiences.
Directed by Payal Kapadia, 'All We Imagine is Light' follows two nurses on a road trip, delving into themes of connection, intimacy, and the complexities of their lives. The film is notable for being the first Indian film in the Cannes Competition in three decades and has won several awards, including the Grand Prix at Cannes and the Silver Hugo at the Chicago International Film Festival.
This book provides a comprehensive and riveting history of the Challenger disaster, which occurred on January 28, 1986. Higginbotham delves into the years leading up to the accident, detailing the ambitions, ingenuity, and political cynicism that undermined the space shuttle program. The narrative follows the seven members of the doomed crew and the designers, engineers, and test pilots who struggled to get the first shuttle into space. It highlights the ominous warning signs ignored by NASA, the investigation driven by leakers and whistleblowers, and the broader context of the space race and its impact on the NASA space program. The book is a masterful blend of human drama and scientific detail, exposing the complex costs of innovation and the fatal compromises made in the pursuit of national prestige.
Anora is the first book in the Elven Princess series by Tessa Escalera. It follows the journey of a 12-year-old elven princess as she navigates the onset of war. The series is designed for middle-grade readers and explores themes of adventure, magic, and personal growth.
Dune, written by Frank Herbert, is set in a feudal interstellar society where noble houses control planetary fiefs. The story follows Paul Atreides, whose family is tasked with ruling the inhospitable desert planet Arrakis, the sole source of melange, a substance crucial for extending life and enhancing mental abilities. The novel delves into the intricate politics, religion, ecology, and technology of this futuristic world, as various factions vie for control of Arrakis and its valuable spice. Paul, with his unique abilities and training by the Bene Gesserit, becomes a key figure in this struggle and eventually assumes the role of a messianic leader among the native Fremen people[2][5][4].
We have arrived at that time of year once again - The Filmcast’s Top 10 Films of 2024! David, Devindra, and Jeff start off 2025 by looking back at the biggest film news stories of 2024. Then, they count down their top ten films of the year. Tune in for all the twists and turns from their lists.
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Shownotes (All timestamps are approximate only)
Stories of the Year (~00:03:25)
Top Ten Films of 2024 (~00:28:26)
Devindra’s Top 10 Films of 2024
10. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
9. Love Lies Bleeding
8. The Fall Guy
7. Anora
6. All We Imagine As Light
5. The Brutalist
4. Sing Sing
3. Nickel Boys
2. No Other Land
1. I Saw The TV Glow
Jeff’s Top 10 Films of 2024
10. Orion and the Dark
9. The Fall Guy
8. Blink Twice
7. Conclave
6. Last Stop in Yuma County
5. Heretic
4. Ghostlight
3. Dune: Part Two
2. Anora
1. Challengers
David’s Top 10 Films of 2024
10. Anora
9. Hundreds of Beavers
8. Ghostlight
7. It’s What’s Inside
6. Skywalkers: A Love Story
5. The Order
4. Red Rooms
3. Dune: Part Two
2. Challengers
1. The Brutalist
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