Now I must confess that I'm a romantic; almost anything that falls under chick-flick or chick-lit will catch my attention. So, to all of you out there who's anti-V-day, be forewarned that I'm going to talk about my favorite romantic picks. As for those who are in love with love, sip on some wine, munch on some chocolate, and read on.
When I think of romantic items in the library, the first thing that comes to my mind is The Phantom of the Opera. The book by Gaston Leroux is an interesting read, but it's the movie that really gets my heart racing. A deformed genius of a composer/musician/artist living in the basement of the Paris Opera falls in love with a beautiful young singer and becomes her mentor and would-be lover. Gerard Butler plays the title character with such passion, such tenderness, such sensuality (I'm getting a little breathless here) that you feel so sad for him when that stupid Christine chooses a better looking guy over him. Add to that some gorgeous, sweeping melodies along with some exceptional artistic direction and you've got a great girl's (or guy's) night in.
Since I've started talking about stories from long ago, I have to include another oldie but goodie, Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Oh, that Mr. Darcy! Will he ever be able to overcome his pride and will Elizabeth put aside her prejudice to see that they are perfect for each other? Ah, the drama! The suspense! A captivating story that kept me up to the wee hours of the morning to finish it ahead of the rest of my high school English class when I first read it. And then there's what I consider to be the ultimate film version of the book with (*swoon*) Colin Firth as the dashing Darcy. If that's not enough, Firth plays Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones's Diary, the modern re-telling of Austen's classic.
While we're on the subject of leading men, we can't forget Cary Elwes in the modern classic, The Princess Bride. Sure, it's inconceivable to have a hero and heroine with the unlikely names of Westley and Buttercup, but it's a simple story that focuses on true love, the kind so many dream about yet so few have. Just before you think things are going to get too mushy, though, you can always count on Billy Crystal, Mandy Patinkin, and Andre the Giant to bring you back to reality with some good belly laughs.
If I've whetted your appetite for things romantic, come on over to the library and get a few of the many items available to see you through a lovely Valentine's Day!
Dreaming of flowers and chocolate from the perch. (Did I mention chocolate?)
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