SUMMER READING

10 Reasons Not To Fall In Love

by Linda Green (Headline)

Fun light holiday reading.

365 Nights: A memoir of intimacy

By Charla Muller with Betsy Thorpe (Murdoch Books)

In the beginning I really enjoyed this book, which is an honest account about how Muller enhanced her marriage by committing to having sex with her husband every day for a year. In the end the concept became a little mundane, and the observations a little repetitive.

TOP FILM PICKS FOR JANUARY

1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

After seeing a preview of the film, to be honest, I wasn't expecting a lot. The film looked a little odd, and not in a good way.

Thankfully, I was wrong. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is absolutely beautiful, one of the best films I have seen for a long while.

Directed by David Fincher (Se7en, Fight Club, Panic Room) and adapted from the 1920s story by F Scott Fitzgerald (The Great Gatsby), the film tells the story of a man (played by Brad Pitt) who ages backwards.

While the plot sounds surreal, the story is about the complexities of life. It's a love story without being saccharine. It shows how nothing lasts forever, without being depressing. And it shows what it means to be human, without being trite.

2. Marley and Me

Despite its lukewarm reviews I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I was expecting a light romantic comedy given its leading actors, Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson - and of course, the canine star, Marley (who was actually played by 22 dogs). However, while there are a few fluffy, silly moments there is also a great story (thanks to John Grogan, who's best-selling memoir is the basis of the film) plus many scenes that had me looking for a tissue.

3. Yes Man

If you can ignore the ridiculous Hollywood moments, Yes Man is a good "pick-me-up" if you are in need of some New year Inspiration. Jim Carrey plays Carl Allen who transforms his negative attitude after attending a self-help seminar.