Summer films

One great film to try is the classic Out of Africa. It explores adventure, the difficulty of differing personalities, and how people find fulfillment in unlike things. It's both cold and logical while being intensely romantic. The film is a great look at the question of what makes life worth living. It is grasping for adventure, or simply having all the experiences possible, or being in love? Is love itself enough, or must we conform to society and settle down?

If nothing else, it is a beautiful film, and the African landscape is incredible and so full of ancient harmony you almost want to get on a plane and see the plains and mountains.

If you like travel writing or memoirs, Kenya or Africa, be sure to read the 1937 book it's based on by Isak Dinesen. Many people loved the famous Hon. Denys Finch-Hatton, a real man who was a true adventurer and non-conformist, but was also kind and widely loved.

Be sure to read the famous 1942 memoir West with the Night by Beryl Markham--she was the female equivalent of Denys Finch-Hatton. Hemingway raved about her book. She grew up in Kenya, became a pilot and kept horses and trained them for races. She had a wild lust for adventure. She even had an affair with Finch-Hatton.