I just read a wonderful book by David Gilmour, The Film Club,
the memoir of a divorced father watching movies with his teenage son in
place of his formal education. David Gilmour had been a film critic and

television host but at the time that his son was floundering in the
10th grade, he was in the same position with his career. He allowed his
son to drop out of school if he agreed to watch 3 films of his father's
choosing a week. While most people would not agree with this parenting
choice, the story that unfolds is a wonderful read, especially for film
lovers.

While watching the movies together (the movies are old
and new, from all genres, watched at home) David gives his son
background on the movies. This was my favorite part of the book. I have
a whole new list of movies that I want to see just from the way that he
spoke about them. It was also fascinating to hear the way he spoke of
different celebrities from the past and present. He raves about Clint Eastwood and Audrey Hepburn and speaks less friendly of certain others.

The
other great feature of the book is the relationship between the father
and his teenage son. There are ups and downs throughout but also great
moments of bonding. They talk mostly about girlfriends, breakups and
life. With Fathers Day coming up, this book would make a great present
for any father that loves movies.

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